I think routinely cleaning out the flash hole is routine from what I've read about shooting flintlocks. Good to know that about the Great Plains flint rifle. I am considering buying the kit in order to save a few bucks, but if it is as you say then I'll pass and buy the completed rifle.

An article I read in an online magazine reviewing the flint version of the Great Plains stated that either the frizzen or the hammer was too far forward (i.e., inward toward the flash pan) and prevented a standard flint from striking the frizzen properly. When you fasten a long flint in the hammer's jaws, then a good spark and flash was obtained. What is your experience? Have you had to use longer than normal flints?

Thanks.

Kenneth